2016 ICT4D Conference

In 2015, Catholic Relief Services Ghana made significant investments in WASH infrastructure that accelerated the achievement of project results targeting improved behavior change on hygiene and sanitation, improved health outcomes and reduced poverty. Despite rigorous legal, procurement and contracting systems used to construct school latrines across 30 schools, there was widespread dissatisfaction with outcomes of construction investments due to poor quality and delayed service delivery. This resulted in reduced morale of staff, inefficient time management, and infrastructure that was unnecessary, unreliable, dangerous, and over-priced.

The solution was to use mini iPads, ArcGIS, iFormbuilder and Bartender software to develop a system to track and certify construction results in real-time. CRS' holistic approach addressed gaps in human resources, data collection, and user capacity. First, 2 Construction Quality Field Officers, who are responsible for site assessment and quality assurance were recruited; designed a questionnaire using the bill of quantities and specified in the terms of reference for vendors; trained CRS staff on the use and management of mini iPads; and systematized the exportation of data into Excel for analysis and weekly reporting conducted by the MEAL team.

Thus far, the technology solution has improved CRS Ghana's MEAL systems. For example, Project Managers and senior management can now access data on the construction statuses at any time without relying on updates through emails, and the picture documentation feature helps managers assert that proper construction is being conducted and are thus able to provide the necessary feedback to the field more quickly and efficiently.